Review of Optimum Nutrition Protein Supplements

Optimum Nutrition is a US-based company, part of Glanbia – an international cheese and nutritional ingredients group. Optimum Nutrition was launched in 1986 with the aim to provide active adults a comprehensive line of protein supplements as well as maintain a high standard of quality across its products. The Optimum Nutrition range is available in some health stores across Australia and online. Let’s see what Optimum Nutrition offers in the protein supplements category.

Optimum Nutrition products

There are many different types of proteins available and the Optimum Nutrition range includes whey, casein, egg and blended options.

Whey Protein Powders

The whey protein powders are Optimum Nutrition’s largest range and include:

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey: Uses protein isolates as these are said to be the purest form of whey protein available. There is a large selection of flavours, from key lime pie and birthday cake to coffee and double rich chocolate. There is also a naturally flavoured option available. Gold Standard 100% Whey provides 24 grams of protein per serving. Standard sizes are 1lbs (0.45kg), 1.8 lbs (0.82kg), 2lbs (0.91kg), 3lbs (1.36kg), 5lbs (2.27 kg) and 10lbs (4.54kg).

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Gainer: This is used for protein and carb recovery. The carbohydrate blend includes oat, pea and potato and the fats include flax, chia and medium chain triglycerides. The range has four varieties, including colossal chocolate, cinnamon bun, cookies & cream and vanilla ice cream. The Gold Standard Gainer provides 55 grams of protein per serving. Standard sizes are an option between 5lbs (2.27 kg) or 10lbs (4.54kg).

Optimum Nutrition Isolate: Made from Whey Isolate, these flavours come in vanilla softserve, chocolate shake, smores and snickerdoodle. These provide 25 grams of protein per serving. Standard sizes of the Isolate are 1.65lbs (0.75kg), 3lbs (1.36kg) and 5lbs (2.27 kg).

There are several other whey protein powders available that you may like to consider for your exercise needs.

Casein protein powders

Whey powder is a faster digesting protein and is used immediately before and after exercise, but slow acting protein, such as casein protein, is used at other times of day, including when your body goes for hours without food. For this type of protein, Optimum Nutrition offers the Gold Standard 100% Casein and the Naturally Flavoured 100% Casein protein powder. Both provide 24 grams of protein per serving. Standard sizes are an option between 2lbs (0.91kg) and 4lbs (1.81kg).

Egg protein powders

Eggs contain essential amino acids and are naturally free of lactose, making the egg protein a great alternative to dairy-based protein powders. For this range, Optimum Nutrition offers its Gold Standard 100% Egg protein powder in chocolate or vanilla custard flavour. It provides 24 grams of protein per serving. Standard size is 2lbs (0.91kg).

Blended protein powders

Blended varieties include the Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer and the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass. Optimum Nutrition says that everyone is different and some have a harder time putting on muscle than others. So it created the Optimum Nutrition Pro Gainer with a high-protein formula for post-workout recovery, or as a high-protein shake between meals. The Pro Gainer provides 60 grams of protein per serving. There are four flavours and the standard sizes are 5lbs (2.27 kg) and 10lbs (4.54kg).

The Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass protein powder is designed as a high-calorie weight gainer and has five flavour options. The Serious Mass protein provides 50 grams of protein per serving. Standard sizes are 3lbs (1.36kg), 6lbs (2.72kg) and 12lbs (5.44kg). There are other blended mix options available.

Optimum Nutrition Protein Bars

If you’re looking for something to grab and go, as well as fuel muscle recovery, there are two options in the Optimum Nutrition protein bar range. They are Optimum Nutrition Protein Cake Bites and Optimum Nutrition Opti-Bars.

The Optimum Nutrition Protein Cake Bites are individually wrapped and have frosted coating. They are available in the following flavours:

Birthday Cake

Chocolate Dipped Cherry

Red Velvet Cake

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Bars are available in the following flavours:

Chocolate Brownie

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Cinnamon Pecan

Cookies and Cream

White Chocolate Raspberry

Standard size is a 12/box for both the cake bites and Opti-bars and there is only one flavour option per box. Both products provide 20 grams of protein per serving.

Ready to Drink Supplements

For ready to drink options, Optimum Nutrition offers its Protein Water, which is designed to help during endurance training as well as a recovery after strength training. The Optimum Nutrition Protein Water is available in three different flavours:

Icy Blue Raspberry

Orange Freeze

Tropical Fruit Punch

Standard size is a 16oz (473.18ml) bottle and is available 12/box. The Protein Water provides 20 grams of protein per serving.

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Optimum Nutrition Shipping and Returns Policy

Optimum Nutrition may accept returns for dietary supplements that were purchased directly from the Optimum Nutrition site and if 75% or more of the product is unused. The goods must be received by within 30 days of your purchase. If you need to make a return, you will need to call Optimum Nutrition directly and provide your purchase order number to ensure your product is eligible for return and then you will be issued with a return authorisation number and instructions. Reimbursements are made to the credit card used for the purchase. If your order is damaged in transit, you can report it to Optimum Nutrition but it is not responsible for any lost or stolen goods.

Should I choose Optimum Nutrition?

Amid the rise of popularity in protein supplements, Optimum Nutrition certainly seems to be one of the leading brands, providing a large range of different protein products to keep consumers interested. It is in the high-end category of protein brands, but if you’re really serious about using protein supplements regularly around your exercise routine, then it may have the right products for you. You may also like to have a read of online reviews and ratings – such as ours – to see how other Australian consumers across the country compare protein supplement brands.

To our knowledge, all information in articles on the Canstar Blue website was correct at the time of publication. This information may have changed over time. Refer to the product fact sheet (or relevant similar documentation) before making any purchase decision. Canstar Blue's website terms and conditions apply.